During the 12th day of Top 14, La Rochelle returned to winning ways by winning 20-15 against Clermont at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. After a largely dominated first half, the Maritimes almost gave in to the return of the Clermontois in the second half, in particular due to recurring indiscipline.
A controlled first half
The Rochelais started the meeting with intensity. Thomas opened the scoring in the 17th minute, followed by an opportunistic try from Dillane in the 34th minute. Thanks to these two achievements, La Rochelle comfortably led 17-3 at the break. Opposite, Clermont suffered, accumulating fouls and receiving two yellow cards. Despite some breakthroughs, the Auvergnats were unable to materialize their highlights in the first period.
The Clermontois awakening
Returning from the locker room, Clermont showed a completely different side against La Rochelle. The penalty try in the 48th minute revived the visitors, before Raka reduced the gap to 20-15 in the 55th minute. The Rochelais, in difficulty and often penalized, trembled until the end. However, Clermont's clumsiness in the final phases of the game allowed Ronan O'Gara's men to preserve their advantage. Curiously, it was Bézy who chose to put the ball into touch to close the match, thus depriving Clermontois of one last opportunity to secure the defensive bonus point.
An essential victory for La Rochelle
This victory allows La Rochelle to move back ahead of Clermont in the standings and end the year on a positive note. If the discipline remains a major project, the Maritimes can rejoice in their defensive solidity in critical moments. Clermont, for its part, will have to correct its inaccuracies to hope for better in future meetings.
To summarize this match La Rochelle Clermont
La Rochelle won 20-15 against Clermont, despite a complicated end to the match. Thanks to this victory, the Maritimes regain 4th place in the ranking. Clermont, despite a great reaction, paid for its indiscipline and clumsiness in key moments.
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